FAQs

Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking and Approaches - Applications in Social Work Clinical Practice (PGC-STA)

The course will be funded under the non-preapproved PCG route for SSAs.

About the Course

This course provides an in depth understanding of salient systemic concepts and the applications in social work and clinical practice. It enhances knowledge of a variety of foundational systemic models that are integrative to foster a coherent approach in working with clients in the multi-socio-cultural context in Singapore.

In view of the grounding this course would provide in terms of the theoretical frameworks, concepts and applications to practice, it is strongly recommended that potential applicants to the Post Graduate Diploma in Family and Systemic Practice and other courses run by the centre may consider attending this course.

Clinicians who have worked in the field for some time but has little or no formal training in systemic thinking and practice and wants to see if this is an approach that fits them are also encouraged to take up this course.

Postgraduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking and Approaches
COURSE DURATION (PGC-STA)
77 hours (part-time), 4 months
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
7 January 2025
DATE OF COMPLETION
15 April 2025
COURSE DURATION (Module 3 of PGC-STA)
35 hours (part-time), 5 weeks
DATE OF COMMENCEMENT
25 February 2025
DATE OF COMPLETION
15 April 2025

Learning Outcomes

This course enables participants to:

  • Equip themselves with a holistic approach in understanding the complex issues beyond the presenting symptoms that are manifested in individuals and families.
  • Learn to incorporate systemic thinking into practice through a more conversational approach to working with others.
  • Learn to deepen their self-reflexivity through examining their relational positioning and stance in the context of uncertainty and risks.
  • Gain an integrative perspective of the different systemic models in working with individuals and families.

Applicants should:

  1. Be at least 23 years old and proficient in English.
  2. Possess a degree in Counselling, Psychology or Social Work and/or post graduate diploma in Social Work or Counselling.

Course Structure

Trainees will be provided with an in-depth understanding of salient systemic concepts such as general systems theory, circularity, feedback loops, context (inclusive of wider social and cultural discourse) and appreciate how the family functions and organises itself during transitional points, that supports personal autonomy while maintaining togetherness. They will learn how to bridge thinking to clinical and casework practice. They will learn the “use of the self” as a main tool in practice, especially in the uncertain and risk environment that practice is operating from. Additionally, trainees will study a variety of systemic models. There will be demonstrations and discussions on the integration of the approaches to adapt to the social-cultural context of families in Singapore.

Course Modules
Module 1: Certificate In Foundational Systemic Thinking In Social Work And Clinical Practice (CST) (21 Hours)

  • Introduction to systemic thinking
  • The development of the self in the relational world; Problem development and resolution
Module 2: Certificate In Foundational Systemic Applications In Social Work And Clinical Practice (CSA) (21 Hours)

  • Reflexive practice (I): Domains of Action; Therapeutic practice: Interventive Interviewing (I)
  • Reflexive practice (II): Safe uncertainty and relational risk-taking; Therapeutic practice: Interventive Interviewing (II)
Module 3: Certificate In Foundational Systemic Models In Social Work And Clinical Practice (CSM) (35 Hours)

  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Bowen Family Systems Theory : Key concepts and practice in working with individuals and families
  • Milan / Post Milan Systemic Family Therapy: understanding the individual and family as a system and its clinical application
  • Narrative Therapy: valuing diversity, justice and empowerment through stories (Part 1 and 2)
  • Integration of Systemic Thinking and Approaches in Social Work and Clinical Practice

Minimum Class Size: 10
Average Teacher-Student Ratio: 1:10

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Trainees will attend lectures for the first and second modules, together with the trainees for both certificates in Foundational Systemic Thinking and Systemic Applications in Social Work and Clinical Practice (CST and CSA).

Requirements for Completion
Methods of Assessment

Written assignment.

Assessment Schedule

Submission of written assignment by the course end date.

Requirements for Completion

Trainees should:

  1. Attain attendance of at least 80%.
  2. Submit and pass (scoring 50% and above) a written assignment

Trainees will be awarded ‘Post Graduate Certificate in Systemic Thinking and Approaches – Applications in Social Work & Clinical Practice’ upon fulfilling the Requirements for Completion.

Opportunities for Further Education

Post Graduate Certificate in:

  • Clinical and Casework Supervision
  • Systemic Practice in Couples
  • Systemic Practice with Children, Youth and their Families

Post Graduate Diploma in:

  • Family and Systemic Practice
  • Clinical Supervision

How to Apply

Please submit the Training Application Form when the applications open.

Intake Date of commencement Date of commencement (For Module 3 only) Date of completion
January 2025 7 January 2025 25 February 2025 15 April 2025
Documents for Application

Submission of the following supportive documents is required for processing of the application:

  1. CV
  2. Educational qualifications and highest English language proficiency (with grades attained, if applicable)
  3. Personal statement – A letter of introduction not exceeding 200 words on your reasons and/or experiences that have shaped your desire to apply for this course of study.
Shortlisted applicants
  • Applicants will be notified via email within 14 days from the closing date of the application if they have been accepted into the course.
Enquiries

For further information, please submit your enquiries using the Contact Us form. Please remember to mention the name of the course you are enquiring about.

Apply for Jan 2025 Intake Now!

Closing date for the January 2025 intake is 17 December 2024. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, we offer both in-person and online training options to accommodate different needs and preferences. Do check the course outline that you are interested in to find out more about the mode of delivery.

Yes, many of our training programs are eligible for continuing education credits. Please refer to the program details to confirm the availability of CE credits and the accrediting bodies we work with.

All our trainers hold advanced degrees in their respective fields and have significant experience in both clinical practice and training. To find out more about each specific trainer, check out our team.

For full information on miscellaneous fees and instalments, view our Fee Payment Structure.

PAYNOW
Counselling and Care Centre, UEN S75SS0014F
Reference of transaction: Name of Applicant (as in NRIC)

Email the payment details to training@counsel.org.sg
INTERNET BANKING
Account name: Counselling and Care Centre
Name of bank: DBS Bank Ltd
Account number: 010-011739-9
Reference of transaction: Name of Applicant (as in NRIC)

Email the transaction advice and payment details to training@counsel.org.sg

CHEQUE
Pay to Counselling and Care Centre Write your name (as in NRIC) and title of course at the back of the cheque
Mail cheque to: Counselling and Care Centre, Blk 536 Upper Cross St, #05-241, Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050536
Email us at training@counsel.org.sg to inform us that you have sent the cheque.

CASH OR NETS
Payment can be made at Counselling and Care Centre.

Instructions: Payment to be made within 30 days upon receipt of invoice.


Testimonials

Imparting and concretizing..

Thank you for imparting knowledge and concretizing our learning through sharing your personal experiences!
Trainee of PGC-STA 2023

Integration of Systemic Concepts

Trainer shares a lot of nuggets of wisdom and explains the different therapies so well that it’s hard to capture everything because there are so many great things to note down! He is also a very engaging trainer. I liked the exercises for today's class as they really enabled us to melt systemic concepts with the 4 therapies learned.
Trainee of PGC-STA 2024

Love how the trainings were conducted!

Thank you for facilitating and integrating the different concepts and approaches we’ve covered in the past 11 training sessions!  
Trainee of PGC-STA 2024

Sharing of concepts and linking….

The trainer can connect with the students and share her raw responses when discussing cases/reflections. Thank you for sharing with us some of the intricacies of this theoretical approach and linking it back to the core systemic skills and ways of thinking it draws on.
Trainee of PGC-STA 2024

Simply presenting an abstract concept

The trainer kept us engaged. Very well-paced. Really did well in simply presenting an abstract concept. Thank you!
Trainee of PGC-STA 2023

Equip Yourself to Enhance Your Quality of Care

Closing Date for the January 2025 Intake is on 17 December 2024.

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